Resistance or tolerance to major diseases, insects, and other stresses (i.e. drought and flood) of the area

The right growth duration (maturity length) to match the season

Avoid varieties that need to be planted or harvested earlier or later than surrounding rice fields to minimize pest damage (e.g., birds during maturation), and growth problems during times of harmful environmental conditions (e.g., late-maturing varieties running out of water)

Resistance to lodging under normal farmer management

Factors affecting crop management, such as soil type, planting method (e.g. some varieties are better for direct seeding), fertilizer efficiency, amount of rainfall, climate, disease pressure, should also be considered in selecting varieties.